Sharp Insights From the CEO of Dixon Ticonderoga Company

Category Archives: Teachers

Do you know how many children in your city live in poverty? Here in the USA, there are more than 16.4 million children living below the poverty line. That’s one out of five American children. But in the Parramore area of Orlando, nearly three out of four children live in poverty. Both numbers are unacceptable.

When I think of these children, I think of how important it is not just to be a leader in our industry but also a leader in our community.

For the second year in a row, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with different Orlando-based organizations to give backpacks filled with school supplies to disadvantaged children. This year, Dixon Ticonderoga Company partnered with the Orlando Magic NBA Basketball team, AMWAY and Orlando City Soccer to donate over 1,100 backpacks to those children in the Parramore area of Orlando. In addition to receiving backpacks filled with Ticonderoga writing and Prang art supplies, they also were able to participate in activities such as an arts and crafts table and they received popcorn and drinks courtesy of Dixon.

Working with these outstanding organizations and the Kids In Need Foundation, it is my goal that every disadvantaged child has the supplies that they need to be successful for their upcoming school year. If you would like to learn more about how to show your dedication to your community by giving backpacks to needy children, please email teachersrock@dixonusa.com. It’s never too late.

I can remember the day perfectly. The day my mentor and college professor, Dr. Barry Duvall, told me to apply up for his program for exceptional business students. When I replied that I didn’t think I would get in, he said, “Tim, who runs the program? I do. Now, are you going to do what I told you or not?” Needless to say, I did apply for the program and got in.

Throughout our adolescent and college years, we meet a variety of teachers that lead us, guide us and sometimes impact us in a way that challenges the person we are and makes us see something even greater. Dr. Duvall did that for me. In one short conversation he changed the rest of my life.

As a small symbol of gratitude, I have decided to donate $1,500 to his school for a research grant in his honor. Dr. Duvall plans to use this grant to help fund the research where as he will be using our Prang Art Markers to recycle and turn into mixed oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel. I’m very excited to contribute to such a wonderful product life cycle cause such as the important work Dr. Duvall is doing in our society.

Me with Dr. Duvall

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree then went on to get two Masters degrees and eventually became CEO of a company thatis over 219 years old. I can’t imagine where I would be now without Dr. Duvall. I have had the opportunity to see him recently, and it was a great opportunity to renew my friendship with a man that continues to inspire me each and every day. Thank you Dr. Duvall for being such a terrific mentor in my life in my early development years!

Do you have a teacher that impacted your life that truly changed the way that you see the world?

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and as I write this post, I have to pause and reflect on all the fantastic teachers that helped me get to where I am today. One remarkable teacher was Mrs. Flood, my high school English Teacher in Elizabeth City, NC.

I recently learned she passed away. When I heard the news I simply had to do something, this incredible teacher has impacted my life greatly, and because of that I felt the need to donate 100,000 Ticonderoga pencils to my high school in her honor. This week, I had the honor of speaking to the entire high school, to make sure that they understand just how much I appreciate Mrs. Flood for all the things that she did for me.

Teachers, on behalf of your students both past and present, thank you. You are appreciated – each and every day.

Me at Northeastern High School

Me at Northeastern High School with Mrs. Flood’s Family Members, School Board Representatives, and Ron Payne, Principal of Northeastern High School

Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.

-Solomon Ortiz

Our teachers are our nation’s greatest resource. We entrust them not only with our children’s livelihoods but also our children’s futures. America’s future success depends on our children’s ability to connect with their teachers and truly learn something new and useful each and every day.

One of my goals is always to make teachers’ lives as easy as possible. Whether it is with my own child’s teachers or those of others’, I believe that it is important to support and encourage teachers. If we do not give our teachers the assistance they require, how can we expect those teachers to be able to support our children the way our children require?

One of the ways that we help teachers at Dixon is through free teacher lesson plans. Teachers can visit our website and download lessons to go along with nearly any curriculum, whether you students are studying math or reading. All of our lesson plans are accredited and adhere to state standards.

When we support our nation’s teachers, we also support our nation’s youth. It is imperative that we focus on doing all we can for teachers that they may be better prepared to do all they can for our children.